We believe every person who has ostomy or continent diversion surgery should have access to trusted support and information to thrive in life. You can help the staff and dedicated volunteers of United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) get resources and peer-support to people in need.

Want to make a difference? Here are just a few of the ways to make an impact.

1. Pick Your Ostomy Passion

Let Your Heart Guide Where Your Donation Goes

United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible. UOAA was recently awarded the Guidestar Gold Seal of Transparency so you can be confident your hard earned dollars will be used wisely.

Advocacy Fund Donations to this fund help UOAA to advocate on every front for the issues our constituents care about most and creates tools to empower people to expect more from their healthcare.

General Fund Giving helps UOAA create trusted resources, connects people in need to support groups and assistance, and maintain our educational website and organizational expenses.

Ostomy Awareness Fund Your dollars help get our New Ostomy Patient Guide into the hands of those who need it the most and to spread ostomy awareness to new sectors of the medical field and society at large. Your donation also supports annual events such as Ostomy Awareness Day.

Memorial/Tribute Your tax-deductible tribute gift will honor or remember a loved one, and immediately support the mission of the UOAA.

“Without a temporary ostomy I would have died 4 months ago. I’m so thankful for the ostomy it truly saved my life, but when they said it might be permanent I went through a serious struggle with depression and anger. UOAA really helped me get through that struggle and reach peace through their website and information. I am so thankful for this organization.” Sifu Kimo of Pennsylvania in an online appeal to his friends and family.

2. Volunteer with an Ostomy Support Group

With approximately 300 UOAA Affiliated Support Groups around the country, many of you have the opportunity to contribute to critical peer emotional support and information in your community. Our support groups succeed through the efforts of volunteer leaders. If you don’t have a group in your area or desire something different in a support group, we make it easy to start your own group.

3. Join the UOAA Advocacy Network

Recognizing that we are always stronger together, UOAA encourages everyone to get involved. Our advocates are the most effective resources for making positive changes. Working together we can make better the lives of people living with an ostomy or continent diversion by improving access to health care and protecting their rights. Start making a difference today by joining our Advocacy Network to sign-up for alerts.

4. Donate Your Spare Change, and Change a Life

The RoundUp App allows you to automatically donate the change from your credit or debit card transactions. Once you create an account, you do not need to use the app while making a purchase. Just swipe your card as usual. roundup.app/p/ostomy

Other creative ways to give include:

Amazon Smile By following this link and shopping on Amazon, 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases will be donated to UOAA.

IRA Tax Free Charitable Contribution IRA owners who are 70½ or older can make a tax-free charitable contribution to UOAA. This is called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). Please consult with your financial, tax or legal advisor before making any financial decisions.

Corporate Matching Gift Your current or former employer may offer a Matching Gift program, which could double or triple your donation. Click here for more information.

Every day UOAA hears from people desperate for ostomy information, support and how to find emergency supplies. Our resources have been life-changing for so many, please give back any way you can and make an impact in the life of the next person in need.

Contact Us

Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm (Wednesday until 2pm) EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.

Get Involved

Join our national advocacy network and take action on issues that affect the quality of life of all people living with an ostomy or continent diversion in the United States. Help UOAA make an impact on decision-makers and together we can drive change.